§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to publish his consultation paper on the review of the Scottish planning system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI have today published a consultation paper on the review of the Scottish planning system. Copies will be placed in the House Libraries.
Under the banner of the citizens charter, my general aim is to stimulate discussion on ways in which the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of the system can be improved. This is the first step in a wide-ranging review which will help to set the agenda for the development of the planning system in the years ahead.
The review will not address the underlying structure of the present system or the Government's proposals for local government reform in Scotland; its focus will be on matters of procedure and practice. In that context, my specific aim is to assess the adequacy of the decision-making process in terms of its openness, fairness, consistency, speed and accountability to all interests; the extent to which current procedures help or hinder that process; the degree to which development plans and development control promote development and conservation objectives and in so doing add to the quality of the natural and built environment; and the adequacy of the arrangements for monitoring the decision-making process and for measuring the achievement of objectives, targets and standards of service.
The consultation paper poses a number of questions to assist those who may wish to comment. However, there is no pre-determined agenda; the Government will welcome comments on any aspects of the system. Thereafter the outcome will be made public, and the Government will indicate how they propose to take matters forward.
831WI should make it clear that no significant changes will be introduced until after the reorganised authorities are firmly in place. However, the review is designed to pave the way for any longer-term changes that may be necessary to achieve the high standards now set by the citizens charter. That means a more responsive and efficient system to give the public, developers and Government alike confidence in the plan-making and decision-making process, in the quality of the outcomes, and in the standard of service that is being provided.